call us: 07 3368 1892

Bushfire trauma support – extra funding for psychological services

We are here to helpPeople affected by bushfires can access mental health treatment without a referral or mental health treatment plan from 17 January.

You’ll be able to claim these items from 17 January 2020 to 31 December 2021.

You can get up to an additional 10 treatment services without a referral each year, between 1 January and 31 December. After these 10 sessions, you can keep seeing your psychologist if you’ve used all 10 services, but you won’t get Medicare benefits.

However these sessions are in addition to your 10 sessions with an existing mental health treatment plan (MHTP) under the Better Access to Mental Health initiative. Your claiming limits aren’t effected under that plan – so you can access 20 Medicare rebatable psychological sessions per calendar year.

Better Access Bushfire Recovery Telehealth initiative

If you live in a rural or remote area, you may not be able to easily access mental health services.

You’ll be able to get counselling and wellbeing support through our video telehealth services instead. You’ll get a Medicare benefit for this service – you can use your additional 10 Medicare rebate sessions to access telehealth sessions with our highly experienced clinicians.

You can get these services from now until 31 December 2021.

Call us on 07 3171 8387 to book an appointment or check online here to find out if you are eligible.

Helpful information for recovery from disasters

Coping with stress during the Coronavirus outbreak

We understand the uncertainty and sudden change of circumstances creates a stressful environment. For additional tips on how to stay mentally healthy during this difficult time, please consult the HEAD TO HEALTH website.

Bushfire trauma support - extra Medicare rebate

Have you or your family been affected by the bushfires?

Are you a responder, emergency management employee or volunteer who worked during the bushfire disaster?

The Federal Government is funding mental health support for individuals, families and communities, including emergency services personnel affected by the bushfires by:

• providing up to 10 additional face to face and Telehealth Medicare rebateable psychological therapy sessions for people who require further support